Episode 5: The Pomodoro Technique

Welcome to The Open Sketchbook Podcast! In this host-led episode, Evan Kitson explores how the Pomodoro Technique can help creatives reclaim their time and boost productivity- without burning out. From studio habits to classroom parallels, Evan shares how this simple time-chunking method supports deep focus, rest, and sustainable creativity.

In this episode:

Why “productivity” became Evan’s word of the year
How the Pomodoro Technique works (and why it’s tomato-shaped 🍅)
Parallels between studio practices and figure drawing sessions
The role of planning and rest in creative momentum
How to build intuitive time awareness
Why group work and community help us keep going
A drawing demo using the Pomodoro Technique (YouTube exclusive!)

Want to watch the drawing demonstration? We're on YouTube!
Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/gb97lMVaXBU
Our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@theopensketchbook

Featured Technique:
20 minutes on / 5 minutes off: a rhythm used in both creative work and figure drawing classes to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Weekly Sketch Starter:
Draw your creative space- or a tomato, if you’re feeling brave!

The Open Sketchbook
https://theopensketchbook.com
https://www.instagram.com/the.open.sketchbook/

The Virtual Studio - Join for Exclusive Podcast Content and More!
https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/bundles/virtual-studio

Our Weekly Newsletter, The Drawing Board:
https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts

HOST: Evan Kitson
https://evankitson.com
https://www.instagram.com/evan_kitson/


BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:
Creative Productivity: Pomodoro Technique
https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=productivity-pomodoro-technique

Evan Kitson's Graphite Drawing Materials Kit
https://learn.theopensketchbook.com/pages/blog?p=graphite-drawing-materials


NEWSLETTER ISSUES TO READ:
Writing Lists & Finding Priorities + A New Weekly Sketching Prompt!
https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/writing-lists-finding-priorities-a-new-weekly-sketching-prompt

Productivity: Commitment to our Creative Habits + Blog Post Roundup and more!
https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-commitment-to-our-creative-habits-blog-post-roundup-and-more

Productivity: Removing Friction + A New Course Starting Soon!
https://theopensketchbook.kit.com/posts/productivity-removing-friction-a-new-course-starting-soon